'UAE or Saudi Arabia likely to host Pakistan-India talks'

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said that peace talks between Pakistan and India could potentially be held in Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates, with the United States acting as a key mediator.

Speaking to journalists in Islamabad, the prime minister said Pakistan did not request a ceasefire during the recent cross-border conflict, stressing that any such move would have been known to the international community.

He revealed that during communications between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries, both sides agreed to return to pre-conflict positions.

Shehbaz confirmed that Pakistan’s delegation to any potential talks would include the National Security Adviser and the Director-General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

The prime minister claimed Israeli personnel were involved in supporting India during the conflict, but said Pakistani forces held their ground. He credited Army Chief Gen Asim Munir for leading a successful military response, describing it as a “powerful reply to a country five times our size.”

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He reiterated Pakistan's denial of involvement in the April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that triggered the escalation, calling for a neutral investigation — a proposal he said was acknowledged internationally.

Shehbaz claimed that Pakistan downed multiple Indian Rafale jets, neutralized drones, and used advanced Chinese military technology, thanking allies including China, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Azerbaijan for their support.

The recent conflict saw India suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, close diplomatic channels, and launch missile strikes on Pakistani territory. In response, Pakistan initiated Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, targeting Indian military infrastructure.

A ceasefire was brokered on May 11 following intervention by US President Donald Trump, though both countries continue to push competing narratives about how the truce was reached.